From Chemistry to Consciousness

This book reflects on the significant and highly original scientific contributions of Hans Primas. A professor of chemistry at ETH Zurich from 1962 to 1995, Primas continued his research activities until his death in 2014. Over these 50 years and more, he worked on the foundations of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, contributed to a number of significant issues in theoretical chemistry, helped to clarify central topics in quantum theory and the philosophy of physics, suggested innovative ways of addressing interlevel relations in the philosophy of science, and introduced cutting-edge approaches in the flourishing young field of scientific studies of consciousness. His work in these areas of research and its continuing impact is described by noted experts, colleagues, and collaborators of Primas. All authors contextualize their contributions to facilitate the mutual dialog between these fields.

Harald Atmanspacher, PhD, is a staff member at Collegium Helveticum, ETH and the University of Zurich. He is also President of the Society for Mind-Matter Research and Editor-in-Chief of its journal 'Mind and Matter'.  He has pioneered advances in complex dynamical systems research and in the scientific study of consciousness.

Ulrich Müller-Herold is professor emeritus of the ETH Zurich Department of Environmental Systems Science. His research activities have covered algebraic quantum mechanics, prebiotic chemistry, ecological risk prevention and the molecular structure of liquid water.